Dick Butkus calls lack of HGH testing inexcusable

Pro Football Hall of Fame middle linebacker Dick Butkus is angry that the NFL and NFL Players Association have yet to implement HGH testing.

Butkus and his son, Matt Butkus, formed the “I Play Clean” program to educate young athletes about the physical and emotional risks of using performance-enhancing drugs.

HGH testing hasn't started because the NFL and the players' union haven't found common ground on appeals of discipline. “It is inexcusable to not have HGH testing in place for the 2013 season,” Butkus said in a statement delivered to National Football Post and other media outlets. “If you care about the health and safety of players you should not play without first conducting HGH testing. Guys playing clean in the NFL are getting the short end of the stick. They are being put at risk and penalized for doing things the right way. Most importantly, young players at every level are watching and paying attention. They are waiting for the players to lead.”

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